Noticeboard > Guestbook questions
Hi,
I was discussing on a forum about how TCA has become quite bad value for climbers visiting at random intervals and having to pay peak prices (now £8 per session). The conclusion was that a bulk buy scheme that is currently in use at a few other walls in the UK (such as the arch) may help with this issue.
The problem is that over the summer months, visits to TCA will obviously drop in favour of going outdoors, so it's hard to justify a 3 month membership as only the weather dictates if it works out being value for money. If there was a bulk buy scheme (e.g. 10 sessions for the price 8) where there was no useby date, it seems like it's a win-win. You guys get cash upfront and loyal users that visit less over summer periods still get better value for money.
What do you guys think about this suggestion?
I was discussing on a forum about how TCA has become quite bad value for climbers visiting at random intervals and having to pay peak prices (now £8 per session). The conclusion was that a bulk buy scheme that is currently in use at a few other walls in the UK (such as the arch) may help with this issue.
The problem is that over the summer months, visits to TCA will obviously drop in favour of going outdoors, so it's hard to justify a 3 month membership as only the weather dictates if it works out being value for money. If there was a bulk buy scheme (e.g. 10 sessions for the price 8) where there was no useby date, it seems like it's a win-win. You guys get cash upfront and loyal users that visit less over summer periods still get better value for money.
What do you guys think about this suggestion?
Jul 16 |
cha1n
cha1n
I agree about TCA being too warm, getting it right would be making it cooler not justifying the heat by not being quite as warm as other walls. I thought TCA prided themselves on being better than other places. Of course exercising in the summer is warmer (though TCA is hot even in the winter) but I've never been to a gym that doesn't have air con installed and I always pay less for my gym membership than any climbing membership I've ever had. I appreciate some form of air con isn't cheap but I think it's a matter of where (quite literally) TCA is prepared to invest it's money.
Jul 19 |
Anon
Anon
11 for 10 and climbing value
Hi there, firstly apologies for the slow reply as we’ve been in Glasgow doing some preparation for the new build. Until recently we had an ‘11 for 10’ scheme but dropped it as we could never get it to work on our system in the way it was supposed to. We had continuous problems since day one with it’s integration in the software system that we use and have not yet resolved those issues. As and when it can be integrated to work properly it will be brought back again.
We are also working on setting up a direct debit scheme for those who ask for annual membership but who cannot pay a lump sum upfront.
Whether TCA is bad value for infrequent visitors is another question altogether. Different climbers obviously have different priorities and values but we believe that we offer very good value for money for the vast majority of our customers. There always will be a balance between the price we charge and the standards that we endeavour to maintain, and if we are not able to run in a way that services our debt then our business will no longer be viable.
Hi there, firstly apologies for the slow reply as we’ve been in Glasgow doing some preparation for the new build. Until recently we had an ‘11 for 10’ scheme but dropped it as we could never get it to work on our system in the way it was supposed to. We had continuous problems since day one with it’s integration in the software system that we use and have not yet resolved those issues. As and when it can be integrated to work properly it will be brought back again.
We are also working on setting up a direct debit scheme for those who ask for annual membership but who cannot pay a lump sum upfront.
Whether TCA is bad value for infrequent visitors is another question altogether. Different climbers obviously have different priorities and values but we believe that we offer very good value for money for the vast majority of our customers. There always will be a balance between the price we charge and the standards that we endeavour to maintain, and if we are not able to run in a way that services our debt then our business will no longer be viable.
Jul 20 |
TCA
TCA
Cooling
Since TCA opened we have tweaked and added to the extraction system to create much more airflow around the climbing surfaces. We are moving almost 6000m3 of air through the climbing area every hour, and now that we have good airflow through the building, our next step is getting a method of cooling the intake air before it enters the climbing area. We have a few interesting ideas that we will be experimenting with that can hopefully help cool down the area and provide low long-term maintenance costs.
Since TCA opened we have tweaked and added to the extraction system to create much more airflow around the climbing surfaces. We are moving almost 6000m3 of air through the climbing area every hour, and now that we have good airflow through the building, our next step is getting a method of cooling the intake air before it enters the climbing area. We have a few interesting ideas that we will be experimenting with that can hopefully help cool down the area and provide low long-term maintenance costs.
Jul 20 |
TCA
TCA
I have to say that I think TCA is great value for money especially as it's a dedicated bouldering centre. Excellent circuits and great staff. Yes it's hot at the moment but it's something all walls struggle with and in my opinion not that bad at all. I have seen TCA make efforts to increase airflow and know in time the right decision will be made, they're always thinking of the customer and I congratulate them.
Keep up the good work and also keep us up to date with the progress in Glasgow.
If you could also post when the new circuits are done i'll know when to come down and get beasted!
Keep up the good work and also keep us up to date with the progress in Glasgow.
If you could also post when the new circuits are done i'll know when to come down and get beasted!
Jul 20 |
TFL
TFL
Looking forward to seeing your ideas on cooling being put into practise. It was hot work down there this week and unfortunately I agree with Tom it was too hot to enjoy the lovely new green circuit. Having to step down to easier problems so I'm not pulling on any slopers or crimps. Even normal fans might make it a little more pleasant?
Jul 24 |
Sarah
Sarah
I must admit, when I go to TCA (now) I don't even consider trynig sloper problems as the friction is so poor due to the heat. It is a problem, because it's an important grip type that I'm having to neglect.
Sure, I can lower the intensity and use bigger slopers, but I boulder to do high intensity strength training! I often look up at the extractors and haven't seen the fans moving since the place first opened..
Sure, I can lower the intensity and use bigger slopers, but I boulder to do high intensity strength training! I often look up at the extractors and haven't seen the fans moving since the place first opened..
Jul 26 |
RAA
RAA
Direct-Debit
I moved to London for a year in March and had to leave behind my much lovel TCA. I currently climb at the Castle Climbing Centre and am very much enjoying it. One of the benefits is the direct debit that you can set up. I pay £42 a month and have unlimited access. The real bonus is that I don't have to fork out a few hundred up front, but just pay my direct debit on a monthly basis and bobs your uncle. Do you guys have any plans to do a similar scheme?
P.S. Love the centre and cant wait to get back and enjoy it more next year.
I moved to London for a year in March and had to leave behind my much lovel TCA. I currently climb at the Castle Climbing Centre and am very much enjoying it. One of the benefits is the direct debit that you can set up. I pay £42 a month and have unlimited access. The real bonus is that I don't have to fork out a few hundred up front, but just pay my direct debit on a monthly basis and bobs your uncle. Do you guys have any plans to do a similar scheme?
P.S. Love the centre and cant wait to get back and enjoy it more next year.
Jul 29 |
Ben
Ben
Hi Ben
We are in the process of setting up such a direct debit scheme. Unfortunately because of the way banks operate we need a third party to manage the process. This is slightly more involved but we're on the case with it.
We are in the process of setting up such a direct debit scheme. Unfortunately because of the way banks operate we need a third party to manage the process. This is slightly more involved but we're on the case with it.
Aug 5 |
TCA
TCA
Our five main Font-style circuits are rotated roughly every 8 weeks in descending order. This might slow down or speed up slightly at various times depending on the depth of our competition calendar. The black circuit (6a to 6c) will be replaced with green next week, and then the yellow (5c to 6a) with black the week following.
The woody does see regular use as does the campus area, and there are no plans to change them at present.
We are always looking at ways to improve the air flow and cooling in summer. However this has to be weighed up against the cost factors involved. We have had a number of visiting climbers from outside of Bristol who have been surprised by the coolness of the air temperature in comparison to their local walls. This makes us believe that we are getting things right but it doesn't stop us wanting to make improvements. Engaging in hard physical exercise in the summer is always going to create an issue and that does need to be accepted also.